For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Mixed Xylene Price Index in Q2 2025 increased by approximately 7%, rising from USD 828/MT in April to USD 886/MT in June. The upward trend was driven by stable refinery operations, consistent inventory levels, and robust export demand, particularly from Latin America and Canada.
• Key drivers of the Mixed Xylene Price Index included increased Mixed Xylene Spot Price competitiveness in export markets, firm offtake from phthalic anhydride and PET segments abroad, and a sharp 6.3% jump in feedstock naphtha prices during late June that lifted production costs.
• Why did the price of Mixed Xylene change in July 2025? In July, price momentum weakened due to stabilized naphtha prices and muted shifts in export activity. While demand from Latin American markets persisted, domestic procurement from PET and phthalic anhydride sectors remained flat, curbing any strong bullish momentum seen in June. The absence of new cost pressures and steady inventory levels further prevented price hikes.
• Logistics remained smooth with efficient port operations at the Gulf Coast. No major freight rate fluctuations or supply disruptions were reported in Q2.
• The Mixed Xylene Demand Outlook for Q3 in the USA indicates steady consumption from packaging and plasticizer sectors, with moderate growth expected in beverage-related PET applications. However, demand may be restrained by macroeconomic headwinds and flat downstream price trends.
• The Mixed Xylene Production Cost Trend rose in June due to escalating naphtha prices but remained manageable earlier in the quarter. Export margins narrowed slightly, though producers maintained balanced output levels to match firm foreign demand.
• Mixed Xylene Price Forecast in Q3, prices are expected to remain moderately firm, hovering around export-driven demand while upstream costs and freight conditions stay largely stable. Price volatility may be minimal unless crude oil or naphtha trends shift significantly.
APAC
• The Mixed Xylene Price Index in Q2 2025 increased by approximately 8.8%, rising from USD 643/MT in April to USD 700/MT in June. his uptrend defied a 5.9% drop in feedstock naphtha prices in late June, as strong overseas demand—especially from PET producers in Southeast Asia, the USA, and India—lifted export values.
• Regional drivers included improved margins due to lower feedstock costs, elevated PET and PTA demand across Southeast Asia, and strong foreign buying interest that kept the market tight despite adequate production.
• Why did the price of Mixed Xylene change in July 2025? In July, price growth slowed as foreign demand from PET resin producers showed signs of saturation and price competition from China increased. Although production costs remained favourable, international buying momentum waned, capping any further increase in spot prices.
• Oversupply risks remained limited during Q2, though export competitiveness will face pressure from rising Chinese capacity in Q3. APAC suppliers are watching regional feedstock movements and downstream orders closely to recalibrate exports.
• The Mixed Xylene Spot Price stayed strong through June due to tightening supply and aggressive buying, but spot pressure may ease in Q3 as end-use industries taper seasonal restocking.
• The Mixed Xylene Production Cost Trend was generally favourable, with lower naphtha costs improving margins for Korean producers. Utilization rates stayed high to capitalize on overseas demand.
• Mixed Xylene Demand Outlook remains soft as PET-related demand will soften post-summer, stable consumption from solvents and phthalic anhydride may offer a floor to pricing. Export dependency will keep pricing vulnerable to shifts in global procurement trends.
• Mixed Xylene Prices are forecasted to stabilize or mild correction in Q3 as margins narrow and competition from other Asian exporters intensifies.
Europe
• The Mixed Xylene Price Index in Q2 2025 increased by approximately 6.5%, moving from USD 790/MT in April to USD 841/MT in June. Stable upstream costs and firm local procurement supported this growth, particularly from PET packaging producers.
• Demand-side drivers included consistent PET bottle production across beverage sectors and limited inventories due to periodic port congestion in Rotterdam. While phthalic anhydride demand remained muted, the packaging sector lifted overall market sentiment.
• Why did the price of Mixed Xylene change in July 2025? In July, prices plateaued. Domestic demand held steady but failed to accelerate further, while upstream costs (naphtha) showed no notable increase. Logistical constraints began easing at Rotterdam, improving throughput but also softening price pressure from prior supply bottlenecks.
• Regionally, the Netherlands saw the steepest Q2 gains due to internal logistics bottlenecks — including terminal congestion and vessel delays, which limited availability and elevated spot prices for local deliveries.
• Inventory levels remained adequate, although tightened periodically by labour-related port delays. Domestic consumption led by PET producers was the primary force sustaining prices, while exports remained muted due to internal logistical priority.
• The Mixed Xylene Production Cost Trend was stable across the quarter, as feedstock naphtha prices fluctuated only marginally. Production rates stayed steady, though refiners remained cautious amid tightening margins.
• The Mixed Xylene demand outlook remains stable but softening sentiment is expected. PET consumption may level off post-peak summer season, while automotive-related coatings and phthalic anhydride markets are unlikely to provide significant uplift.
• The Mixed Xylene prices are likely to stabilize or register slight declines as logistical pressures ease and downstream demand normalizes post-summer.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, mixed xylene prices in the USA showed a fluctuating trend influenced by feedstock price changes and steady demand from the PET sector. January saw a steady rise in prices, driven by increases in natural gas and naphtha costs. By the end of January, mixed xylene prices had risen by 3.5%, reaching USD 880/MT.
In February, prices slightly declined by 3.4%, as feedstock costs decreased, lowering production expenses. Despite this, stable demand from the PET sector maintained a balanced market, keeping prices steady at USD 850/MT by month-end.
The quarter’s trend was characterized by a stable supply-demand balance, with production levels remaining consistent to meet the steady demand from downstream sectors like PET and phthalic acid. Energy cost fluctuations, particularly in natural gas and naphtha, had an impact, but overall, the market remained resilient, with prices moving within a narrow range, reflecting market stability.
APAC
In Q1 2025, mixed xylene prices in South Korea experienced fluctuations due to changing feedstock costs and varying demand from key sectors. In January, prices increased by 2.1% in the first week, reaching USD 740/MT, driven by higher naphtha prices and stable demand from Isophthalic Acid. The upward trend continued into the last week of January, with prices rising to USD 760/MT, supported by stronger export demand and inventory restocking.
February saw a price correction, with a 3.9% decrease in the first week, bringing prices to USD 730/MT. This decline was driven by softer demand and cautious market sentiment. However, by the end of February, prices recovered slightly to USD 745/MT, due to tighter supply and restocking activities.
Overall, Q1 2025 showed a volatile mixed xylene market in South Korea. While demand from sectors like PET and Isophthalic Acid remained stable, price trends were impacted by fluctuations in feedstock costs and supply-demand dynamics.
Europe
In Q1 2025, mixed xylene prices in Germany exhibited an upward trend early in the quarter, primarily driven by rising energy costs. In January, prices increased significantly, with a 4.2% rise in the third week, reaching USD 740/MT, followed by a 6.7% increase in the fourth week to USD 800/MT. These price hikes were fuelled by higher natural gas prices and rising production costs, despite stable demand from the PET sector.
February saw a more stable market, with prices holding steady at USD 800/MT during the first three weeks. However, in the last week of February, prices experienced a slight decline of 3.8%, settling at USD 770/MT. This drop was largely attributed to softer market sentiment and fluctuating energy prices, although demand from the PET sector remained consistent.
Overall, the quarter reflected a period of volatility, with mixed xylene prices influenced by global energy trends and stable downstream demand from the PET industry.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, mixed xylene prices in the U.S. demonstrated varied trends, with moderate increases in October and November, followed by a decline in December. The initial upward momentum was driven by strong crude oil sector support and steady production levels.
However, as the quarter progressed, weak domestic and international demand, geopolitical uncertainties, and the seasonal winter slowdown reversed the price trend. Manufacturing activity, showed persistent contraction, with declining orders in key sectors such as automotive and construction further weakening market sentiment.
Supply remained steady throughout the quarter, supported by past feedstock inventories and consistent production, though modest demand limited significant supply growth. Weak global economic conditions, compounded by fluctuating feedstock naphtha prices, affected the cost structure and purchasing behavior in downstream markets. Demand remained subdued, reflecting reduced industrial activity, geopolitical uncertainties, and cautious procurement in the construction and automotive sectors. The decline in December highlights the ongoing pressure from weak demand and uncertain macroeconomic conditions, with further challenges anticipated in the near term.
APAC
In Q4 2024, Mixed Xylene prices in China showed a modest recovery following a decline in the previous quarter, supported by stable production, low inventory levels, and steady operations from major producers like Yangzi Petrochemical and Zhenhai Petrochemical. After starting the quarter on a bearish note, prices began to stabilize in November, driven by improved supply-demand dynamics and marginal trading activity increases. Low inventory at East China ports tightened supply, preventing further price drops, while rising methanol feedstock costs created upward pressure on production expenses, contributing to a gradual price rebound. Despite these positive developments, demand from key downstream sectors such as gasoline blending, paints, and coatings remained weak, reflecting cautious buying behavior and subdued consumption from the construction and chemical industries. The construction sector, a significant consumer, faced contraction, with declines in new orders and cautious purchasing further weighing on demand. While the quarter ended on a more stable note, the overall recovery in Mixed Xylene prices remained moderate, as weak downstream demand and broader economic uncertainties continued to limit significant gains.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Mixed Xylene prices in Germany showed a declining trend, dropping 5.3% in October and 3.18% in November, before stabilizing slightly in December at USD 695/MT FOB Hamburg. The market faced persistent pressure from oversupply, weak demand across downstream sectors like construction, automotive, and PET, and subdued market sentiment. High inventory levels and reduced industrial output in Germany, coupled with the 2.76% depreciation of the Euro, further constrained price recovery, making exports less competitive. Although steady crude oil prices and consistent production from domestic refineries supported supply stability, rising energy costs added strain to production economics. Demand remained weak throughout the quarter, driven by declining activity in construction and automotive industries, along with increased preferences for sustainable alternatives and cheaper substitutes in downstream markets. While December brought some stabilization due to cautious trading and steady supply, the outlook remains bearish, with potential recovery in Q1 2025 reliant on improvements in industrial output, construction activity, and global trade dynamics.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American mixed xylene market experienced a bearish trend, driven by muted demand and declining prices. Throughout August and September, mixed xylene prices remained stable to lower, primarily due to weak consumption from the downstream phthalic anhydride industry, particularly within the construction sector. Economic headwinds, including rising mortgage rates and sluggish construction spending, exacerbated the already soft demand, leading to average market conditions. This downward pressure was compounded by falling feedstock naphtha prices, which further reduced production costs for mixed xylene.
Supply levels were characterized as moderate, with domestic production operating at low rates amid deteriorating manufacturing conditions. Despite these challenges, the availability of mixed xylene was sufficient to meet existing demand. However, potential supply disruptions loomed due to labor negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association and port operators, with strike threats potentially impacting supply chains. The last recording price of September 2024 was assessed for FOB Louisiana USD 840/MT
Overall, while there were indications of stabilizing factors, including a decrease in inflation rates, these did not translate into increased demand for mixed xylene. The market sentiment remained cautious, reflecting the complexities of a landscape shaped by external economic challenges and sluggish growth within key end-user sectors.
APAC
From July to September 2024, mixed xylene prices in APAC remained generally stable to lower, as market dynamics were influenced by soft buyer interest, abundant supply, and limited feedstock cost support due to declines in naphtha prices. Crude oil showed volatility due to geopolitical tensions, further affecting market sentiment. Meanwhile, demand from the downstream phthalic anhydride industry was sluggish, hindered by slower-than-expected construction activity amid China's property sector downturn. Throughout Q3, China’s economy faced challenges, including a weaker GDP growth rate and a three-month decline in manufacturing activity, despite government efforts to stimulate growth with policy rate cuts. Sufficient mixed xylene supply was met with declining downstream demand, while production rates were lowered to align with demand levels. Import delays due to port congestion, typhoons, and supply chain disruptions added some pressure, yet inventory levels remained adequate. The last recording price of September 2024 was assessed for Ex-Qingdao USD 665/MT. The real estate sector’s downturn continued to weigh on demand for mixed xylene’s downstream applications, with new-home sales among top developers decreasing sharply year-over-year. This combination of high material availability and weak demand kept Mixed xylene prices low, and market sentiment is expected to remain subdued in the near term.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European mixed xylene market has been experiencing significant challenges in 2024, marked by stable to declining prices driven by muted demand. The German market has been particularly affected, with prices under pressure due to weakened consumption from downstream sectors, especially construction and plastics. Despite a decrease in feedstock naphtha prices, which has lowered production costs, the overall market sentiment remains bearish as traders navigate a landscape characterized by sluggish activity and cautious purchasing behavior. Supply dynamics have also played a role, with adequate availability of mixed xylene resulting from prior inventory restocking. However, production rates have been curtailed in response to the lack of downstream momentum. Import challenges from Asia, exacerbated by high freight costs and port congestion, have further constrained the supply chain, creating a delicate balance between available material and muted demand. The last recording price of September 2024 was assessed for FOB Hamburg USD 840/MT. The broader economic context in Europe, particularly Germany, has contributed to these market challenges. With the economy contracting unexpectedly and inflation rising, consumer and business sentiments have weakened. As key industries continue to face downturns, the outlook for the mixed xylene market remains uncertain, with expectations of further price declines as demand stays low amid a struggling economy.
FAQs
1) What is the current price of Mixed Xylene?
As of June 2025, the Mixed Xylene Spot Price was USD 886/MT in the USA, USD 700/MT in APAC, and USD 841/MT in Europe.
2) Who are the top Mixed Xylene producers in the United States?
Leading U.S. producers include ExxonMobil, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Flint Hills Resources, and LyondellBasell.
3) What factors drive the Mixed Xylene Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
Key drivers include crude oil prices, downstream PTA demand, feedstock availability, and refinery output rates.
4) What is the Mixed Xylene demand outlook for APAC in Q3 2025?
APAC demand is expected to remain firm due to robust PTA production and steady export orders.
